"Native Plants vs. Cultivated Siblings: Pollinator Preferences Revealed"
Researchers are studying the impact of nativars, cultivated variations of native plants, on pollinators. Studies have shown that while some nativars are equally attractive to pollinators, others are noticeably snubbed. Factors such as nectar quantities, flower color, and flowering time play a role in pollinator preferences. Nativars generally score well, but native species with greater genetic diversity are crucial for the survival of plant and insect populations, especially in the face of climate change. Nativars can still fill a niche, particularly for urban gardeners, but prioritizing native species is essential for maintaining biodiversity and environmental resilience.